Why I Love City Planning

Cities have a magnetic pull that captivates my eye and heart like few other things can. From the moment I peek out the airplane window towards the bright lights of a new location, to the second I step onto the streets of my destination, I’m magnetically transfixed by the moment— I love seeing the way streets intertwine, buildings soar, and neighborhoods pulsate with potential. Each city is a testament to human creativity, a canvas painted with the aspirations, histories, and dreams of countless individuals over generations. The architecture tells me stories, each structure standing as a chapter in a larger narrative of ambition and innovation. Walking in a city is like reading a history book with your feet.

What truly sparks my passion, however, is the way a city’s design mirrors the personality of its inhabitants. Each urban space is an intricate kaleidoscope of its residents’ cultures, traditions, and core values. Whether it's the bustling markets of Marrakech, rich with colors and scents, or the tranquil parks and bright lights of Tokyo, where ancient ways meet neon futurism, every city contains the voice of its people. Cities are like a cultural crown bejeweled with echoes of its history and the ticking time of the present moment.

Geography further enriches this living poem. The contours of a city—whether nestled in the embrace of majestic mountains, sprawling along the picturesque waters of a coastline, or meandering beside a lazy river— the layout of the land contributes significantly to the identity of each place you visit. It's not merely about the aesthetics of urban planning; it's about how a city adapts to its own unique environment, forging a harmonious relationship with nature. From the romantic canals and winding labyrinths of Venice to the vibrant and majestic harbors of Sydney, I am enticed and entranced by how urban layouts emerge as a dialogue between human creativity and the natural world.

To me, cities are living, breathing organisms— with a voice and a vision, each one a fusion of humanity, time and terrain. I find myself in constant awe of the diversity of each place I visit, and I am driven to explore every hidden alley and grand avenue. From the moment I book my trip, to the second I hit the ground running, I am captivated and curious to learn more and take it all in. I love seeing the way streets are designed, how they flow and breathe and pulse like a heartbeat of humanity.

Every city is a masterpiece of human ingenuity, with architecture that tells stories of ambition, history, and creativity. The buildings that rise into the sky, the grit of the pavement, and the layout of the neighborhoods all speak of a grand vision, crafted by countless hands over centuries. And I’m proud to say that as an urban planner, I have had the unique privilege of shaping some of these spaces, carefully ensuring they were not just beautiful, but also functional, sustainable, accessible, and equitable.

How I Found My Calling

It was in the realm of city planning that I truly discovered my vocation. I felt destined for it. I enjoyed my role and appreciated interacting with my like-minded colleagues, but being an urban planner in the U.S. often feels like a labor of love—a passion that often gets bogged down by red tape and a pursuit that doesn’t always translate into true financial stability and long term freedom. So, when my mentor, Doug, presented me with a tempting opportunity to elevate my career and income, I stepped out of my comfort zone and jumped into what would become my future.

A Senior Project Manager position opened in the Housing Department, complete with a significant pay raise, a coveted parking spot, and an office boasting of a view, inside of Richmond's historic Main Street Station.

I was ‘Living The Dream” (or so I thought). This building held special meaning for me; it was a landmark from my childhood travels between Germany and the U.S., a beacon signaling our imminent return home. It felt like the right move, and a safe and comfortable place to land. Sometimes that’s a good thing. In my case, however, it ended up working against me.

Shortly after stepping into this new role, I encountered two life changing events: my mentor resigned, and the world plunged into a massive global pandemic. As if that weren’t enough, I was about to become a father for the first time. My former colleagues at City Hall even threw me a baby shower, a generous but sobering gesture that made me reconsider my choice to prioritize financial gain over the camaraderie and passion I had cherished.

The arrival of a new director ushered in sweeping changes to the Housing Department’s culture and to my daily work environment. At the same time, my wife and I dove headfirst into the exciting world of real estate investing—a venture we termed "buying back our future." We acquired properties, renovated them, and transformed them into rental units, ensuring that our investments were secure and valuable. The success of our property management company, founded on our commitment to quality and service, has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from tenants. It wasn’t easy, but this lucrative passive income stream, combined with my passion for service, sparked an entrepreneurial fire in me that would never go out. It was time to leave the 9-5, spread my wings, and fly out of the nest of my comfort zone, a place that was proving to be anything but comforting.

I Give Notice. AKA, “I Quit!”

My deep dive into corporate culture taught me a vital lesson: when work-related stress begins to affect your family life, it’s time to reassess and recalibrate. As the wise saying goes, "Good employees leave bad managers, not bad jobs." On May 2, 2022, I made the pivotal decision to leave my toxic work environment and go all in. I decided to fully pursue my passion for investing in real estate and give it my all. I envisioned building a family business that would illustrate to my children that the sky isn't the limit—it’s merely a springboard to the stars.

What is My Why?

At the core of my "why" isn’t a place, it’s a purpose.

And my purpose is people.

My “why” is the people I hold most dear—family and friends who feel like family. Additionally, my love for travel fuels my spirit and satiates my passion for new possibilities. There’s a unique magic in stepping into the unknown and embracing adventure. Whether I’m wandering down a cobblestone alley in a foreign city or immersing myself in a vibrant culture, each moment is an opportunity for discovery and dialogue. Meeting new people, listening to their stories, and recognizing our shared humanity, despite our divergent paths, fills me with wonder, awe and respect for the diversity of the human family.

These experiences have now become treasured memories, made all the richer when shared with loved ones. Together, we build a lifetime of moments that define our journey. This blend of exploration, connection, and shared moments forms my personal utopia.

When I merge my passions for people and places, I discover my "why." I consider it an honor and a blessing to live this truth, through my work in city planning and by cultivating a real estate investments portfolio that allows me to reclaim my future and leave a lasting legacy. 

Let Me Fight for You

Now that you understand my "why," I want to hear yours. If you've turned to real estate or property investing to help actualize your dreams, you’ve likely faced serious challenges—often in the form of bureaucratic hurdles and red tape that seem like an impenetrable wall. That’s where I come in. I’m the guy that has spent my life learning how to cut through that tape and smash that wall with the iron fist of knowledge, foresight and connections.

Have you ever attempted to apply for a straightforward building permit, only to stumble upon unexpected zoning complications that your realtor didn’t foresee? Or perhaps you've contacted the local government with a zoning inquiry, only to endure a lengthy and frustrating hold, followed by promises of a callback that never materializes? Such delays can jeopardize your projects, drain your resources and test your patience. I can show you an easier way to get through all that and teach you how to turn your stumbling blocks into ladders of opportunity.

Maybe you've meticulously crafted project projections, only to be derailed by the pain of the permitting process, incurring significant holding costs. Believe me, I’ve navigated these frustrations myself, and I understand how disheartening and defeating they can be.

With over 12 years of experience in local government planning and zoning, I possess the expertise to cut through the bureaucracy, and speed up the processes that often bog down projects, helping you secure permits you need and get you the answers you want. Effortlessly and efficiently. Let me alleviate your stress and assist you in transforming your real estate investment aspirations into tangible realities. I’m here to help you. Together, we can turn your most aspirational visions into resounding successes! 

So...

Are you ready to step into your destiny?

Let’s go!